Which of the following indicates a patient is unable to give informed consent?

A patient is considered unable to give informed consent when they are confused and unable to articulate their wishes. Informed consent requires that a patient has a clear understanding of their medical condition, the proposed treatments, the risks and benefits involved, and the ability to communicate their preferences regarding care. Confusion hampers a patient’s capacity to comprehend these critical elements, leading to an inability to make informed decisions about their treatment.

In contrast, a competent adult who can provide detailed information demonstrates their ability to understand the factors related to their care, which allows them to give informed consent. Similarly, expressing dissatisfaction with care does not necessarily indicate a lack of capacity to provide informed consent; rather, it may reflect the patient’s feelings or frustrations about their treatment. Finally, a patient who understands the risks and benefits of treatment clearly shows that they are capable of making an informed decision and can therefore give valid consent.